Comments on: How to Compete in a Trail Event

on 8/8/2006 Sometimes horses will spook at parts of the course, and they may buck. The following will be helpful to know if you ever need to get your horse back under control:
1. Put your head up. If you are looking at the ground, that's where you will end up.
2. Push your heels down and your legs forward. This will help you brace yourself.
3. Lean back. This may feel weird, but it will keep you from toppling forward.

on 8/8/2006 Practice is key! Get your horse used to unusual obstacles at home first, then hopefully it won't spook in the arena!

on 3/13/2006 Sometimes horses will spook at parts of the course, and they may buck. The following will be helpful to know if you ever need to get your horse back under control:

1. Put your head up. If you are looking at the ground, that's where you will end up.
2. Push your heels down and your legs forward. This will help you brace yourself.
3. Lean back. This may feel weird, but it will keep you from toppling forward.

on 12/20/2005 The only thing that makes sense is practice. If you have an arena with a gate that you can open on horseback, do it. Focus on walk, jog, lope poles, circles, simply all the little things that build up a test.

Desensitize (get your horse used to)different things that may scare him. I'm not sure as far as trail classes go with the rules, but it's probably a nightmare to compete with a horse that's afraid of the obstacles.

on 11/22/2005 Only attempt an obstacle before moving on. Make sure to check the rules beforehand to see if you would be disqualified.

on 11/22/2005 Sometimes, if you don't know what to do, you should count to 30. If you still don't know what to do, let the horse choose the path.

on 11/22/2005 Everyone must memorize the course. Otherwise, you're sure to stuff up. Watch every other competitor who gets it right.

on 11/22/2005 Be sure to memorize the pattern before it's your turn. Go over the pattern in your head and think it through. It helps to tell it to your instructor or trainer. Have as many people help you as possible! If you miss an obstacle you will be disqualified.

on 11/22/2005 My daughter and her Appaloosa showed trail for almost 10 years and achieved State Championship. Her biggest plus for getting him through every obstacle was stopping and counting to 10, letting him think, asking him to go forward. If he became upset, she'd